Nursery School

We approach children as unique individuals who are curious about everything. Teachers, really, are trained providers. We listen to understand what children are asking and what they want to know. We respond by surrounding them with books, tools, and materials to discover their own answers and solve their own problems. What adults call play is really a child’s work. Each day they are eager to get to work and see what they can discover. If we can keep children asking questions, we know we are reaching them.

Eligibility and Choices

Children 2½ and potty trained up to kindergarten. Classes have up to 15 children, lead by two teachers (a lead and an assistant).

Classes are offered from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00:

Mon – Fri

Mon-Wed-Fri

Tues-Thurs

Each three-hour class is packed with enriching activities to engage children in making choices, handling materials, following directions, and working cooperatively. Additional care is available between 7:00 to 9:00AM and Noon to 6:00 PM.

A typical morning would include:

Welcome circle and discussion

Outdoor choice time with a focus on large motor activities

Cooking or Snack Preparation

Literature circle

Indoor choice time with a focus on art or science reinforcing the idea/s presented in the literature circle

Our Studies Follow Broad Topics

These “topics” may be seasonal, they may develop from questions from the children, or they may naturally follow a related topic from a previous month. There is generally more than one topic of interest in a class. They are developmentally appropriate for each age group and follow the natural curiosity of each particular age group. These topics guide our choices for:

Literature

Art

Science

Cooking and Snack Preparation

Multi-Cultural Studies

Math

Dramatic Play

Manipulative Materials

Music and Movement

Games and Cooperative Play

Writing

Learning continues inside and out—only the atmosphere and choices vary. Outside time is considered a very important time for skill building, cooperative play, strengthening large muscles, and developing curiosity about nature.